The People’s Choice by Genesis Theatrical Productions
Through October 30 @ Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr
A political satire about presidential politics is just what your therapist ordered as a prequel to next month’s epic something. Genesis Theatricals is remounting its quadrennial production and playwright Philip Pinkus has reworked his script for 2016 to include a singing and dancing nominee with a remarkable head of hair. See it Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $30.
People’s History of the U.S. by Quest Theatre
Through November 6 @ Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory St. in Andersonville
Sixteen performers and 100 puppets, many of them life-sized, tell the musical story of our country from serious issues to a chorus of Ronald Reagans performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” For all ages. See it Wednesday-Sunday. Free but reservations are recommended. Make them online or by calling 312-458-0895.
Hell: A Verse Drama and Photo-Play by Accidental Shakespeare
2pm Saturday, October 8, @ McKaw Theatre (formerly The Side Project), 1439 W. Jarvis Ave.
Accidental Shakespeare opens its new season with a single staged reading of Upton Sinclair’s 1924 four-act satire featuring mischievous devils and fanciful angels. No fairy tale this, however. They criticize the capitalists who fomented World War I and advocate socialistic change. Tickets are $15.
Screens
Chicago International Film Festival
October 13-27
In its 52nd year, CIFF continues to offer Chicagoans a wide selection of independent and foreign films. Festival passes range in cost from $100 - 200 depending on the number of films you plan to attend.
Hola Mexico Film Festival @ Gene Siskel Film Center
October 7 - November 2
In partnership with the Hola Mexico Film Festival Tour, the Siskel Film Center will show eight new Mexican films through the month of October. Selections include the Sundance hit Mr. Pig, starring Danny Glover, and the romantic comedy Elvira, I Will Give You My Life But I'm Using It, starring Cecilia Suárez, who began her career in Chicago with Teatro Vista. Tickets are $11 for non-members, and $6 for members.
Music Box of Horrors
October 15-16
The Music Box hosts its annual 24-hour horror film festival. This year’s marathon includes director Gary Sherman presenting the ultra-rare director’s cut of Raw Meat, director Jim Muro with his gross-out Street Trash, and a new restoration of silent horror Seven Footprints to Satan with a live musical score. Tickets are $30 online, and $35 on the day of the event.
Art
Open House Chicago
October 15-16
The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts its annual Open House Chicago festival, during which the public will have free access to over 200 architectural sites across the city. For one whole weekend, you can explore different buildings and spaces--theaters, cafes, mansions, hotels, even secret rooms and hidden places.
Glass Pumpkin Patch @ the Morton Arboretum
October 12-16, 10am-5pm (market opens on October 14 at 1pm)
Watch glassblowing artists give demonstrations as they bring their pumpkins to life, and wander through the patch of full-blown pumpkins. You will also have the opportunity to pick some pumpkins of your own. Pumpkins will be available for purchase at the market, which will open on October 14. Entry is $14 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors, and $9 for children (2-17), and free for Morton Arboretum members.
Music
Freaky Deaky @ Toyota Park
Oct 28- 30
DJ Khaled, Tiesto, DJ Snake, Schoolboy Q, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and a DJ set by Disclosure are this year’s headliners. A few of the highlights of the undercard include Travis Scott, Nervo, Metro Boomin, Desiigner and A$AP Ferg. Tickets are on sale now on their website.
Ear Taxi Festival
The first ever, multi-day festival devoted to contemporary classical art music runs from Wednesday, October 5 - Monday, October 10. The works of 88 Chicago-based composers will be played by 25 ensembles made up over 350 local musicians. 54 new pieces will receive world premiere performances. There will also be five sound installations around the city, two music marathons, numerous panel discussions, and several opportunities to meet the artists. Several concerts are free, and single event tickets range from $5-$26.
CHIRP's Road to 107.1FM Party with Impulsive Hearts @ Lagunitas Chicago Taproom
October 3, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
CHIRP is well on its way to launch their broadcast at 107.1FM and this event at Lagunitas' cool taproom will keep that journey on track! There well be some delicious Lagunitas beers flowing during the event for only $5 to accompany the complimentary pizza and appetizers. The wonderful local band Impulsive Hearts will be delivering some fuzzy warm songs off their album Sorry in the Summer. Tickets are available for only $10! 100% of the net proceeds benefit CHIRP and will go to costs of their broadcast build.
Lit
French Connection @ Poetry Foundation
Friday Oct 7, 12-1pm
This event celebrates the sister city relationship between Paris and Chicago through a free performance by Chicago Slam Works interpreting work by Parisian group 129H in both English and French. Founder of “slam poetry” Marc Smith will perform. Read a full preview of the event here.
Abbi Jacobson in Conversation with Samantha Irby @ Senn High School Auditorium, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.
October 28, 7pm
Abbi Jacobson, one half of the Comedy Central show, "Broad City," and Samantha Irby, Bitches Gotta Eat blogger and author, will be sitting down and talking about Jacobson’s latest book of drawings Carry This Book. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to these amazing women discuss Jacobson’s art and anything else that will surely come up. Tickets are $30 and include a copy of Carry This Book, which you can get signed at the event.
826CHI Compendium Release Party @ The Promontory
Tuesday, October 18, 5-8 pm
Young authors will read pieces beginning at 6pm. Within the pages of 826CHI’s 5th Compendium of student work, you will encounter a lion “as loud as a pencil sharpener,” witness a family’s journey toward American citizenship, live vicariously at a Chance the Rapper show, experience the dramatic sabotage of a 5th grade science project, and get a closer look at the struggles and triumphs of teen parenthood. Books will be available for purchase at the book release for $20 (cash or credit). All proceeds from book sales support 826CHI’s creative writing and publishing opportunities, which are offered free-of-cost to more than 2,500 young Chicagoans each year. Learn more at www.826chi.org
Food
Autumn Brews: Seasonal Beer Tastings in the Garden @ Chicago Botanic Garden
'The Botanic Garden hosts a bounty of beers on Thursday, October 13, featuring 3 Floyds, Off Color, Half Acre and Crystal Lake Brewing. Light fare will be available and visitors can stroll the lighted gardens with their delectables. This sells out fast, so grab tickets here, $25 member/ $30 non-member, before October 12.
Didier Farms’ Pumpkin Fest
This local favorite for produce (and supplier to area Marianos) will celebrate our favorite spooky gourd from 9/24 to 10/31. Visitors will be able to pick from a multitude of varieties while enjoying other fresh local produce, baked goods, kids' entertainment, rides, corn mazes and even pig races. Admission to the farm is free but rides and games require tickets.
Mystery at Thornhill Mansion
October 20, 27 and 29
The Morton Arboretum hosts a '70s style mystery dinner full of fun and kitsch. Costumes are encouraged for the meal, and the menu features some old favorites like Waldorf salad and beef stroganoff. The dinner takes place at the Thornhill Mansion on Morton's campus with a bar opening at 6 and seating beginning at 6:30. Tickets for this event are $95 for members and $105 for non-members.
Beyond
Dungeon of Doom
Open until November 5
Situated in a spooky former lace factory in Zion, this attraction has become bigger and better each year, with new areas and actors that serve up a hearty portion of scares. It's well worth the drive and the $25 ticket if you're the sort who likes a spine tingle here and there to keep life interesting.
Pullman House Tours
October 8-9
While the :Pullman National Monument is open for exploration more often, a chance to see the interiors of the neighborhood's beautiful dwellings is a once-a-year treat. Tickets are $20 in advance and the neighborhood will be alive with garage sales, car shows and beautiful fall color. It's a can't miss for city history buffs, architecture nerds and those who like to travel back in time.
LEGO KidsFest in Milwaukee
Running from October 7-9, this brick wonderland features building contests, chances for kids to interact with master builders, all manner of merchandise and a museum with LEGO creations both small and large. Tickets for this touring show's stop at the Wisconsin Center can be purchased here. (The LEGO KidsFest stopped in Chicago a few years ago.) 
Your 3CR Guide to a Better October
Stages
The People’s Choice by Genesis Theatrical Productions
Through October 30 @ Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr
A political satire about presidential politics is just what your therapist ordered as a prequel to next month’s epic something. Genesis Theatricals is remounting its quadrennial production and playwright Philip Pinkus has reworked his script for 2016 to include a singing and dancing nominee with a remarkable head of hair. See it Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $30.
People’s History of the U.S. by Quest Theatre
Through November 6 @ Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory St. in Andersonville
Sixteen performers and 100 puppets, many of them life-sized, tell the musical story of our country from serious issues to a chorus of Ronald Reagans performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” For all ages. See it Wednesday-Sunday. Free but reservations are recommended. Make them online or by calling 312-458-0895.
Hell: A Verse Drama and Photo-Play by Accidental Shakespeare
2pm Saturday, October 8, @ McKaw Theatre (formerly The Side Project), 1439 W. Jarvis Ave.
Accidental Shakespeare opens its new season with a single staged reading of Upton Sinclair’s 1924 four-act satire featuring mischievous devils and fanciful angels. No fairy tale this, however. They criticize the capitalists who fomented World War I and advocate socialistic change. Tickets are $15.
Screens
Chicago International Film Festival
October 13-27
In its 52nd year, CIFF continues to offer Chicagoans a wide selection of independent and foreign films. Festival passes range in cost from $100 - 200 depending on the number of films you plan to attend.
Hola Mexico Film Festival @ Gene Siskel Film Center
October 7 - November 2
In partnership with the Hola Mexico Film Festival Tour, the Siskel Film Center will show eight new Mexican films through the month of October. Selections include the Sundance hit Mr. Pig, starring Danny Glover, and the romantic comedy Elvira, I Will Give You My Life But I'm Using It, starring Cecilia Suárez, who began her career in Chicago with Teatro Vista. Tickets are $11 for non-members, and $6 for members.
Music Box of Horrors
October 15-16
The Music Box hosts its annual 24-hour horror film festival. This year’s marathon includes director Gary Sherman presenting the ultra-rare director’s cut of Raw Meat, director Jim Muro with his gross-out Street Trash, and a new restoration of silent horror Seven Footprints to Satan with a live musical score. Tickets are $30 online, and $35 on the day of the event.
Art
Open House Chicago
October 15-16
The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts its annual Open House Chicago festival, during which the public will have free access to over 200 architectural sites across the city. For one whole weekend, you can explore different buildings and spaces--theaters, cafes, mansions, hotels, even secret rooms and hidden places.
Glass Pumpkin Patch @ the Morton Arboretum
October 12-16, 10am-5pm (market opens on October 14 at 1pm)
Watch glassblowing artists give demonstrations as they bring their pumpkins to life, and wander through the patch of full-blown pumpkins. You will also have the opportunity to pick some pumpkins of your own. Pumpkins will be available for purchase at the market, which will open on October 14. Entry is $14 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors, and $9 for children (2-17), and free for Morton Arboretum members.
Music
Freaky Deaky @ Toyota Park
Oct 28- 30
DJ Khaled, Tiesto, DJ Snake, Schoolboy Q, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and a DJ set by Disclosure are this year’s headliners. A few of the highlights of the undercard include Travis Scott, Nervo, Metro Boomin, Desiigner and A$AP Ferg. Tickets are on sale now on their website.
Ear Taxi Festival
The first ever, multi-day festival devoted to contemporary classical art music runs from Wednesday, October 5 - Monday, October 10. The works of 88 Chicago-based composers will be played by 25 ensembles made up over 350 local musicians. 54 new pieces will receive world premiere performances. There will also be five sound installations around the city, two music marathons, numerous panel discussions, and several opportunities to meet the artists. Several concerts are free, and single event tickets range from $5-$26.
CHIRP's Road to 107.1FM Party with Impulsive Hearts @ Lagunitas Chicago Taproom
October 3, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
CHIRP is well on its way to launch their broadcast at 107.1FM and this event at Lagunitas' cool taproom will keep that journey on track! There well be some delicious Lagunitas beers flowing during the event for only $5 to accompany the complimentary pizza and appetizers. The wonderful local band Impulsive Hearts will be delivering some fuzzy warm songs off their album Sorry in the Summer. Tickets are available for only $10! 100% of the net proceeds benefit CHIRP and will go to costs of their broadcast build.
Lit
French Connection @ Poetry Foundation
Friday Oct 7, 12-1pm
This event celebrates the sister city relationship between Paris and Chicago through a free performance by Chicago Slam Works interpreting work by Parisian group 129H in both English and French. Founder of “slam poetry” Marc Smith will perform. Read a full preview of the event here.
Abbi Jacobson in Conversation with Samantha Irby @ Senn High School Auditorium, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.
October 28, 7pm
Abbi Jacobson, one half of the Comedy Central show, "Broad City," and Samantha Irby, Bitches Gotta Eat blogger and author, will be sitting down and talking about Jacobson’s latest book of drawings Carry This Book. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to these amazing women discuss Jacobson’s art and anything else that will surely come up. Tickets are $30 and include a copy of Carry This Book, which you can get signed at the event.
826CHI Compendium Release Party @ The Promontory
Tuesday, October 18, 5-8 pm
Young authors will read pieces beginning at 6pm. Within the pages of 826CHI’s 5th Compendium of student work, you will encounter a lion “as loud as a pencil sharpener,” witness a family’s journey toward American citizenship, live vicariously at a Chance the Rapper show, experience the dramatic sabotage of a 5th grade science project, and get a closer look at the struggles and triumphs of teen parenthood. Books will be available for purchase at the book release for $20 (cash or credit). All proceeds from book sales support 826CHI’s creative writing and publishing opportunities, which are offered free-of-cost to more than 2,500 young Chicagoans each year. Learn more at www.826chi.org
Food
Autumn Brews: Seasonal Beer Tastings in the Garden @ Chicago Botanic Garden
'The Botanic Garden hosts a bounty of beers on Thursday, October 13, featuring 3 Floyds, Off Color, Half Acre and Crystal Lake Brewing. Light fare will be available and visitors can stroll the lighted gardens with their delectables. This sells out fast, so grab tickets here, $25 member/ $30 non-member, before October 12.
Didier Farms’ Pumpkin Fest
This local favorite for produce (and supplier to area Marianos) will celebrate our favorite spooky gourd from 9/24 to 10/31. Visitors will be able to pick from a multitude of varieties while enjoying other fresh local produce, baked goods, kids' entertainment, rides, corn mazes and even pig races. Admission to the farm is free but rides and games require tickets.
Mystery at Thornhill Mansion
October 20, 27 and 29
The Morton Arboretum hosts a '70s style mystery dinner full of fun and kitsch. Costumes are encouraged for the meal, and the menu features some old favorites like Waldorf salad and beef stroganoff. The dinner takes place at the Thornhill Mansion on Morton's campus with a bar opening at 6 and seating beginning at 6:30. Tickets for this event are $95 for members and $105 for non-members.
Beyond
Dungeon of Doom
Open until November 5
Situated in a spooky former lace factory in Zion, this attraction has become bigger and better each year, with new areas and actors that serve up a hearty portion of scares. It's well worth the drive and the $25 ticket if you're the sort who likes a spine tingle here and there to keep life interesting.
Pullman House Tours
October 8-9
While the :Pullman National Monument is open for exploration more often, a chance to see the interiors of the neighborhood's beautiful dwellings is a once-a-year treat. Tickets are $20 in advance and the neighborhood will be alive with garage sales, car shows and beautiful fall color. It's a can't miss for city history buffs, architecture nerds and those who like to travel back in time.
LEGO KidsFest in Milwaukee
Running from October 7-9, this brick wonderland features building contests, chances for kids to interact with master builders, all manner of merchandise and a museum with LEGO creations both small and large. Tickets for this touring show's stop at the Wisconsin Center can be purchased here. (The LEGO KidsFest stopped in Chicago a few years ago.)
The People’s Choice by Genesis Theatrical Productions
Through October 30 @ Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr
A political satire about presidential politics is just what your therapist ordered as a prequel to next month’s epic something. Genesis Theatricals is remounting its quadrennial production and playwright Philip Pinkus has reworked his script for 2016 to include a singing and dancing nominee with a remarkable head of hair. See it Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday. Tickets are $30.
People’s History of the U.S. by Quest Theatre
Through November 6 @ Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory St. in Andersonville
Sixteen performers and 100 puppets, many of them life-sized, tell the musical story of our country from serious issues to a chorus of Ronald Reagans performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” For all ages. See it Wednesday-Sunday. Free but reservations are recommended. Make them online or by calling 312-458-0895.
Hell: A Verse Drama and Photo-Play by Accidental Shakespeare
2pm Saturday, October 8, @ McKaw Theatre (formerly The Side Project), 1439 W. Jarvis Ave.
Accidental Shakespeare opens its new season with a single staged reading of Upton Sinclair’s 1924 four-act satire featuring mischievous devils and fanciful angels. No fairy tale this, however. They criticize the capitalists who fomented World War I and advocate socialistic change. Tickets are $15.
Screens
Chicago International Film Festival
October 13-27
In its 52nd year, CIFF continues to offer Chicagoans a wide selection of independent and foreign films. Festival passes range in cost from $100 - 200 depending on the number of films you plan to attend.
Hola Mexico Film Festival @ Gene Siskel Film Center
October 7 - November 2
In partnership with the Hola Mexico Film Festival Tour, the Siskel Film Center will show eight new Mexican films through the month of October. Selections include the Sundance hit Mr. Pig, starring Danny Glover, and the romantic comedy Elvira, I Will Give You My Life But I'm Using It, starring Cecilia Suárez, who began her career in Chicago with Teatro Vista. Tickets are $11 for non-members, and $6 for members.
Music Box of Horrors
October 15-16
The Music Box hosts its annual 24-hour horror film festival. This year’s marathon includes director Gary Sherman presenting the ultra-rare director’s cut of Raw Meat, director Jim Muro with his gross-out Street Trash, and a new restoration of silent horror Seven Footprints to Satan with a live musical score. Tickets are $30 online, and $35 on the day of the event.
Art
Open House Chicago
October 15-16
The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts its annual Open House Chicago festival, during which the public will have free access to over 200 architectural sites across the city. For one whole weekend, you can explore different buildings and spaces--theaters, cafes, mansions, hotels, even secret rooms and hidden places.
Glass Pumpkin Patch @ the Morton Arboretum
October 12-16, 10am-5pm (market opens on October 14 at 1pm)
Watch glassblowing artists give demonstrations as they bring their pumpkins to life, and wander through the patch of full-blown pumpkins. You will also have the opportunity to pick some pumpkins of your own. Pumpkins will be available for purchase at the market, which will open on October 14. Entry is $14 for adults (18-64), $12 for seniors, and $9 for children (2-17), and free for Morton Arboretum members.
Music
Freaky Deaky @ Toyota Park
Oct 28- 30
DJ Khaled, Tiesto, DJ Snake, Schoolboy Q, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and a DJ set by Disclosure are this year’s headliners. A few of the highlights of the undercard include Travis Scott, Nervo, Metro Boomin, Desiigner and A$AP Ferg. Tickets are on sale now on their website.
Ear Taxi Festival
The first ever, multi-day festival devoted to contemporary classical art music runs from Wednesday, October 5 - Monday, October 10. The works of 88 Chicago-based composers will be played by 25 ensembles made up over 350 local musicians. 54 new pieces will receive world premiere performances. There will also be five sound installations around the city, two music marathons, numerous panel discussions, and several opportunities to meet the artists. Several concerts are free, and single event tickets range from $5-$26.
CHIRP's Road to 107.1FM Party with Impulsive Hearts @ Lagunitas Chicago Taproom
October 3, 5:30pm - 8:30pm
CHIRP is well on its way to launch their broadcast at 107.1FM and this event at Lagunitas' cool taproom will keep that journey on track! There well be some delicious Lagunitas beers flowing during the event for only $5 to accompany the complimentary pizza and appetizers. The wonderful local band Impulsive Hearts will be delivering some fuzzy warm songs off their album Sorry in the Summer. Tickets are available for only $10! 100% of the net proceeds benefit CHIRP and will go to costs of their broadcast build.
Lit
French Connection @ Poetry Foundation
Friday Oct 7, 12-1pm
This event celebrates the sister city relationship between Paris and Chicago through a free performance by Chicago Slam Works interpreting work by Parisian group 129H in both English and French. Founder of “slam poetry” Marc Smith will perform. Read a full preview of the event here.
Abbi Jacobson in Conversation with Samantha Irby @ Senn High School Auditorium, 5900 N. Glenwood Ave.
October 28, 7pm
Abbi Jacobson, one half of the Comedy Central show, "Broad City," and Samantha Irby, Bitches Gotta Eat blogger and author, will be sitting down and talking about Jacobson’s latest book of drawings Carry This Book. It’s the perfect opportunity to listen to these amazing women discuss Jacobson’s art and anything else that will surely come up. Tickets are $30 and include a copy of Carry This Book, which you can get signed at the event.
826CHI Compendium Release Party @ The Promontory
Tuesday, October 18, 5-8 pm
Young authors will read pieces beginning at 6pm. Within the pages of 826CHI’s 5th Compendium of student work, you will encounter a lion “as loud as a pencil sharpener,” witness a family’s journey toward American citizenship, live vicariously at a Chance the Rapper show, experience the dramatic sabotage of a 5th grade science project, and get a closer look at the struggles and triumphs of teen parenthood. Books will be available for purchase at the book release for $20 (cash or credit). All proceeds from book sales support 826CHI’s creative writing and publishing opportunities, which are offered free-of-cost to more than 2,500 young Chicagoans each year. Learn more at www.826chi.org
Food
Autumn Brews: Seasonal Beer Tastings in the Garden @ Chicago Botanic Garden
'The Botanic Garden hosts a bounty of beers on Thursday, October 13, featuring 3 Floyds, Off Color, Half Acre and Crystal Lake Brewing. Light fare will be available and visitors can stroll the lighted gardens with their delectables. This sells out fast, so grab tickets here, $25 member/ $30 non-member, before October 12.
Didier Farms’ Pumpkin Fest
This local favorite for produce (and supplier to area Marianos) will celebrate our favorite spooky gourd from 9/24 to 10/31. Visitors will be able to pick from a multitude of varieties while enjoying other fresh local produce, baked goods, kids' entertainment, rides, corn mazes and even pig races. Admission to the farm is free but rides and games require tickets.
Mystery at Thornhill Mansion
October 20, 27 and 29
The Morton Arboretum hosts a '70s style mystery dinner full of fun and kitsch. Costumes are encouraged for the meal, and the menu features some old favorites like Waldorf salad and beef stroganoff. The dinner takes place at the Thornhill Mansion on Morton's campus with a bar opening at 6 and seating beginning at 6:30. Tickets for this event are $95 for members and $105 for non-members.
Beyond
Dungeon of Doom
Open until November 5
Situated in a spooky former lace factory in Zion, this attraction has become bigger and better each year, with new areas and actors that serve up a hearty portion of scares. It's well worth the drive and the $25 ticket if you're the sort who likes a spine tingle here and there to keep life interesting.
Pullman House Tours
October 8-9
While the :Pullman National Monument is open for exploration more often, a chance to see the interiors of the neighborhood's beautiful dwellings is a once-a-year treat. Tickets are $20 in advance and the neighborhood will be alive with garage sales, car shows and beautiful fall color. It's a can't miss for city history buffs, architecture nerds and those who like to travel back in time.
LEGO KidsFest in Milwaukee
Running from October 7-9, this brick wonderland features building contests, chances for kids to interact with master builders, all manner of merchandise and a museum with LEGO creations both small and large. Tickets for this touring show's stop at the Wisconsin Center can be purchased here. (The LEGO KidsFest stopped in Chicago a few years ago.)